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Keeping your car clean is a daunting task that often has drivers throwing their hands in the air. Fortunately, there are a few ways to avoid having your car look like a disaster zone, so here are a few helpful tips for keeping your car clean all year round!

Wash Consistently

Consistently washing your vehicle is the best way to keep it clean all year ‘round. Make sure to use soap specifically designed for cars, though, as things like dishwasher detergent can harm the paint. Microfiber towels go a long way to preserving the paint as well, and a simple wax job to top things off certainly won’t hurt either.

Clean Spills Quickly

If there’s a spill in your vehicle, clean it up as quickly as possible. Like with all stains, letting it set only makes it harder to remove. In some cases, it will be impossible to rid your car of the blemish entirely. If all else fails, the service department here at Gossett VW Germantown will be happy to help!

Don’t Eat Inside

One sure-fire way to make a mess in your Volkswagen is by getting your food to go and eating on the road. Whether its sesame seeds from a burger’s bun or ketchup from the fries, eating in your car is a formula for a mess. By simply waiting until you reach your destination or eating inside the restaurant, you can keep your car clean all year.

Spring cleaning may be a popular practice, but we say that taking these small steps all year is the easiest way to keep you car clean, no matter the season.

Automakers are continuing to look alternative energies to power the next generation of cars. Volkswagen is leading the charge with its latest batch of electric vehicle concepts, consisting of the Volkswagen I.D., I.D. Crozz, and I.D. Buzz. With these, the German automaker is moving to make electric vehicles more accessible.

Volkswagen I.D.

The future of the automotive industry is something we here at Gossett VW Germantown are excited for, and it all starts with the Volkswagen I.D. With an anticipated range of 370 miles per charge, the streamlined cockpit features a fully-automatic driving mode complete with a retractable steering wheel.

Volkswagen I.D. Crozz

Expected to hit dealerships in 2020, the Volkswagen I.D. Crozz will offer a top speed of more than 110 mph. It will also be capable of reaching 80% battery power after just half an hour on a charger.

Sleek lines and a futuristic design set the Volkswagen I.D. Crozz apart from competitors. With a goal of bringing an augmented-reality heads-up display and autonomous driving to the road, this electric vehicle concept is looking forward to a bright future.

Volkswagen I.D. Buzz

The iconic Volkswagen Bus will soon be back with a futuristic design. The Volkswagen I.D. Buzz will feature an electric motor that delivers a thrilling 369 hp. A spacious cabin and autonomous driving technology makes this upcoming model one to look forward to.

Of course, these vehicles are just concepts, but we hope that Volkswagen comes out with production versions as soon as possible.

Every year, millions of Americans suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), which is usually caused by the lack of sunlight during the winter. Other people just generally feel down after all the excitement of the holidays has ended. If you are feeling this way, here are three ways you can try to beat the winter blues.

Add some light to your life. After taking down all of your Christmas lights, it is understandable to feel a little down. However, you can still make your days brighter by using other artificial lights like a light box or simply sitting closer to the windows during the day.

Go outside. It might be cold, but that doesn’t mean you can’t go outside. In fact, the more outdoor activity you get, the better you should feel. The combination of sunlight and exercise will give you a double dose of energy.

Make some plans. According to research, just the act of planning a vacation or other event, can significantly improve our happiness. Even if you don’t have a big vacation to plan, try looking forward to the weekend with a few activities in mind.

Here at Gossett VW Germantown, we hope everyone has a happy and healthy winter this year.

Since 2011, Volkswagen has been a partner with the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) and MoMA PS1 by presenting the VW Sunday Sessions each year. This art series has been extended for another year with 12 new sessions announced for 2018.

This year’s VW Sunday Sessions will run from January through April in the courtyard of MoMA PS1 in the Queens District of New York City. Another addition for this year’s events is the installation of the VW Performance Dome. Visitors will be able to experience a wide range of artistic mediums, including dance performance, a science-fiction opera, live concerts, video displays, and other interactive art formats.

Since its introduction in 2012, more than 65,000 people have experienced the VW Sunday Sessions program, which is internationally recognized for its cutting-edge artistic endeavors.

The first VW Sunday Session will take place January 28th, with weekly installments through April 15th.

If you are making any plans to visit New York this winter or spring, be sure to make a stop at MoMA PS1 to take in a VW Sunday Session. Here at Gossett VW Germantown, we are proud to see Volkswagen making an effort to support artistic exploration and encourage young artists.

Regular tune-ups might seem costly and time-consuming, but they’ll save you both time and money down the road. Your technician can spot potential problems and fix them before they turn into costly major repairs later on.

Keep it clean

Let’s be honest: a clean car just feels better to drive. This year, resolve to take care of any spills or messes as they come up. It’s easy to sweep things under the floor mats, but neglecting your cars interior can worsen your experience and potential harm your vehicles upholstery, lowering its resale value.

Monitor Tire Pressure

Driving with improperly inflated tires puts extra strain on many areas of your vehicle. Keeping an eye on your tire pressure throughout the year is extremely simple and will keep your car on the road longer.

When deciding what to focus on this year, don’t forget how important you car is. If you take care of it, you can count on it taking care of you for years to come.

Whether you’re short on time this year or just don’t feel like letting the holidays stress you out, use these awesome Christmas hacks from Gossett VW Germantown and get ready for the most stress-free Christmas season ever.

Decorate with what you’ve got

There’s no need to break the bank to go all-out for Christmas. This year, use what you’ve already got to make stunning decorations for your home. You can easily turn leftover fall gourds into snowmen with a little bit of paint, and trimmings from your Christmas tree make perfect all-natural centerpieces.

Reuse old condiment bottle

Trying to take your dessert decorating skills to the next level? Do yourself a favor and load up an old condiment bottle with your icing, then get as creative as you want with the cake and cookie decorating. We bet your guests will ask where you bought the dessert and will be stunned when you admit it was all done in-house!

Cookie cutter ornaments

Speaking of desserts, when the cookies are all done and cooling on the rack, wash off the cookie cutters and easily turn them into last-minute ornaments to fill out your Christmas tree if it’s looking sparse.

Leave the stress behind this year with these super simple Christmas hacks that’ll save you plenty of time and money.

Sometimes it’s easier to have Thanksgiving dinner out instead of putting up with all the stress and confusion of hosting the event yourself. Thankfully, there’s tons of great places to grab a festive bite with your loved ones on Thanksgiving.

Peabody Hotel Restaurants

There are two different restaurants in the famous Peabody: Capriccio Grill, which is more casual and kid-friendly; and Chez Philippe, which provides a more elegant experience. Both restaurants will have special deals on Thanksgiving dinners.

The Cupboard Restaurant

An iconic local favorite, this family-friendly stop offers Thanksgiving staples like turkey and ham. However, this popular choice doesn’t accept reservations, so leave some time for a wait.

Paulette’s

Head out for a decadent date night at this French-inspired restaurant, which offers a different menu every Thanksgiving.

Kroger Deli

If you just want a meal to go without worrying about busy restaurants and long wait times, the Kroger deli is offering a complete Thanksgiving meal in the form of either a turkey or ham feast.

If you don’t want to have Thanksgiving dinner the traditional way, whether you’re short on time, tired of cooking, or just want something different, these options are a great way to enjoy a meal with the whole family.

Choosing to forgo costly airline tickets by hitting the road with your family instead? You’re not alone. It’s estimated that more families are choosing to road trip for the holidays in 2017 than ever before. In order to avoid all that traffic and stay sane and safe, here’s some Thanksgiving travel tips.

Avoid Driving on Wednesday

Tuesday and Wednesday are the busiest days for travel, with Wednesday between 3 and 7 PM being peak traffic time. Avoid the rush by leaving before or after; if you can get there early or late, it’s your best bet for beating traffic.

Bring Activities for the Kids

This goes for any road trip. If you want to avoid the monotonous calls asking if you’re there yet, bring along plenty of entertainment for the ride, from gaming devices to books to music. This is sure to keep everyone happy and prevent backseat squabbling.

Stay Full

Never underestimate the power of keeping everyone happily full. Instead of packing grab-’n’-go snacks, feed the family filling sandwiches to assuage their attitudes. The same goes for your ride: keep it full on gas to avoid unwanted stops along the way.

Use Apps for the Trip

Apps like GasBuddy and Waze crowd-source information about the trip so you can get cheaper gas and always find the shortest route. What’s more, Waze will help you avoid traffic should a sudden buildup occur.

Avoid Highways

Many GPS devices allow you to avoid highways, which can help you fly past Thanksgiving congestion. It may take a bit longer, but the scenic route may be the most tranquil and successful bet.

With these Thanksgiving travel tips, your trip to see your relatives will be more stress-free than ever, and you can keep your family content in the car, too.

You never know when you’re about to break down on the road, which is one reason it’s a good idea to pack a roadside emergency kit. Whether you’re taking a cross country road trip or simply commuting to work, it’s important to carry things like first aid equipment, flares, and more.

First, according to the DMV, one of the most important things to have is a first aid kit. We at Gossett VW Germantown recommend stocking it with things like Band Aids, gauze, and antiseptic. However, it’s also a good idea to carry aspirin for headaches, tweezers for splinters, and antacids for heartburn. Feel free to customize your kit based on your needs.

Many drivers also pack flares or road triangles. If you have a flat, it’s necessary to let other drivers know that you’re distressed. Plus, flares can double as a light source or even as a fire starter if you get stranded in the wilderness.

Finally, consider bringing things like a blanket for warmth, fresh water, and non-perishable food. If you’re travelling, modify your kit to include an old cell phone (most old phones can be used to call 911, even if not on a plan). These are just some of the things you should pack in your roadside emergency kit.